Mayor: Oct. 23 possible groundbreaking for IU Med School

EVANSVILLE, IN (WFIE) - Mayor Lloyd Winnecke announced Thursday that October 23 could be the date that ground is broken for the IU Medical School in Evansville.

Winnecke and State Rep. Gail Riecken were taking part in a mayoral debate, sponsored by the Southwest Indiana Chamber, when he revealed the date.

The mayor's office says IU will be sending out formal invitations to the groundbreaking.

Riecken won the drawing and gave the first opening statement.

She said she values open, transparent government and supports Sunday bus service, job growth, promoting the medical school and industries.

Riecken said the city's checkbooks and budget need to be online.

She wants to speed up the granting of permits to businesses and develop more housing.

As far as downtown is concerned, Riecken said her vision is a medical school and more development along the riverfront.

Her top infrastructure priority is I-69.

In closing, Riecken said she will fight for everyone's interests and trust, and she will bring more business to the city.

In his opening statement, Mayor Winnecke said the city's economy is growing and strong. He cited the downtown convention hotel and the Lloyd Expressway/Highway 41 cloverleaf as indications that his administration has made sound investments in the city's future.

Winnecke went on to say that the largest difficulty facing Evansville is the future of water and sewer upgrades which are being imposed by the EPA and will increase rates.

Winnecke also said his focus on improving the quality of life is maintaining a clean city and more connectivity to green space and health facilities.

In closing, Winnecke said the city finances are not perfect but they are strong.

Thursday's debate was the first in a series of three. 14 News, WEHT/WTVW, 44 News as well as the Courier and Press are taking part in a debate in that will air on WNIN on October 22. The League of Women Voters will host a debate on October 6.